Okay, It’s time to be completely honest with my fellow pastors and church planters. I have not taken enough breaks since I started Fusion. I’ve been an idiot about that and I’m now paying the price for it.

Pastors/planters/leaders, learn from my mistake.

1. Take at least one day off a week. I think that’s in the Bible somewhere, right?

2. Start taking two days off a week as soon as you can. If you’re starting a church, that might not be realistic at first but make that a goal.

3. Take 2–3 days off and get away every 6–7 weeks. I learned this from Wayne Cordiero and it’s an amazing practice. I’ve actually charted out when I start to feel really burned out and, for me, it happens like clockwork every 6–7 weeks if I don’t take a break. I know, I know, you’re really busy but, trust me, this is a strategic investment. It’s worth the time and the money.

4. Take frequent preaching breaks, especially during the summer. I’ve been absolutely horrible about this and, again, I’m paying for it now. I know the temptation is to think that you need to preach yourself to keep things rolling. The truth is that your folks need to hear some other voices. They’ll enjoy the variety and appreciate you when you come back. Beyond that, it gives others in your organization an opportunity to grow in their teaching gifts. You should never preach on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.

5. Take family vacations. Okay, I know that you’re busy but you need this and so does your family.

6. Take real vacations. Ed Young says that a vacation with kids isn’t a vacation at all. He calls those “family outings.” That’s so funny and so true! Be sure to have family outings but also be sure that you and your wife get away alone some too.